Knowledge Base

How to create a Stack on Dell Networking Force10 S55 Switch

This Article explains how to create a Stack on Dell Networking Force10 S55 Switches

Objectives

Important Points to Remember

Needed Hardware

Creating Stack

Verify System and Stack-Port Status

Reset a Switch Removed from Stack to Default

Important Points to Remember

S55 can have up to 8 units in a stack

The S55 and S60 systems DO NOT SUPPORT mixed stacking. Stack only S55 systems together.

The S55 only has 12g stacking option. 24g ports or cables are not available.

Needed Hardware

Stacking Modules

- not interchangeable

- Types

12 Gigabit - 2 port

Cables

- bi-directional

- length

4 meters

60 centimeters

Picture of S55 Stack Modules

Creating a Stack

Command

Purpose

FTOS# show version

Verify that each unit has the same FTOS version prior to stacking them together.

FTOS# stack-unit renumber

Pre-configure unit numbers for each unit so that the stacking is deterministic upon boot up. (Optional)

FTOS(config)# stack-unit priority

Configure the switch priority for each unit to make management unit selection deterministic. Highest number represents the higher priority. (Optional)

Connect the units using stacking cables and modules

Power the stack one unit at a time. Start with the management unit, then the standby, followed by each of the members in order of their assigned stack number (or the position in the stack you want each unit to take). Allow each unit to completely boot, and verify that the unit is detected by the stack manager, and then power on the next unit.

FTOS# show system brief

Verifies the stack status of the units.

A reload of all switch units is needed for stack unit renumbering. Newly installed stack modules are not recognized by the switch until the switch is reloaded.